Sara Ali Khan, King among star-studded line-up at Hockey India League opening ceremony in Rourkela

The 2024-2025 edition of the Hockey India League (HIL) will kick off with an extravagant opening ceremony at the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in Rourkela on December 28  with a star-studded lineup including Bollywood sensation Sara Ali Khan and music artist King set to headline the evening with their performances, a press release from Hockey India stated.

In addition, the Shiamak Davar Dance Troupe will light up the stage with dynamic choreography while an innovative floor projection mapping system will offer fans a visually immersive experience with 3D illusions on the stadium floor as the event aims to be a blend of sports, entertainment, and technology under the banner of ‘Hockey ka Jashn.’

Meanwhile, tickets to both the opening ceremony and all HIL 2024-25 hockey matches will be free for spectators in Rourkela, as part of an initiative to make the league more accessible to fans across the country, allowing them to witness the world-class sporting spectacle live.

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Dilip Tirkey, Chairperson of Hockey India League, said, “Rourkela is a city with a deep love for hockey, and it’s only fitting that we launch the league with such a grand celebration here.”

Highlights for fans in attendance include interactive experiences such as green-screen photo booths. Moreover, the matches will be available to stream on Ticketgenie’s web portal and app.

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The opening ceremony will be broadcast live on DD Sports, Waves, and other channels on the Doordarshan Network, with live streaming on Prasar Bharati’s OTT platform, Waves. Matches will also be available on Sony Ten channels and Sony LIV.